Miller, who also counted Leeds among his clubs, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Miller grew up in Ovens, a village in County Cork, and although he played Gaelic football, his real passion was soccer, with a fondness for Celtic taken from his father Billy, a Scotsman from Motherwell.

Amid a flood of tributes, one from Sunderland AFC’s official Twitter account read: “We are saddened to hear this evening that former #SAFC midfielder Liam Miller has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Sunderland players wore black armbands in Miller’s memory during their Championship clash with Bristol City on Saturday.

David Beckham and Wayne Rooney were among those who led the tributes to their former Manchester United team-mate.

Beckham posted: “Our thoughts are with Liam’s family .. Rest In Peace”.

Both played with the 36-year-old during his two-year spell at Old Trafford in the 2005/06 season and the club expressed their sympathy on Saturday.

Roy Keane (centre) and Martin O'Neill (right) (Image: PA)

Meanwhile, Newcastle United tweeted on Saturday: “Our condolences to the family, friends and former clubs of Liam Miller, who has sadly passed away aged 36.

“Liam, a Republic of Ireland international, played for clubs including our neighbours, @SunderlandAFC, and tomorrow’s opponents, @ManUtd. #NUFC”

Manchester United players wore black armbands during their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park, while NUFC also paid tribute.

In Ireland, where Miller won 21 caps for the Republic of Ireland, he has been described as a major loss to Irish sport.

Republic manager O’Neill - a former Sunderland manager - has described Miller as a “fantastic man”.

O’Neill, who gave Miller his Celtic debut, said: “Liam’s passing is very sad and he will be greatly missed. He was an excellent footballer and a fantastic man.”

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Irish president Michael D Higgins said it was with great sadness that he had learned of the death of Miller, who brought skill and passion to his career in football at home and abroad.

“In his too short life he contributed so much, from his making his professional debut in 2000 and earning his first cap for the Republic of Ireland in 2004, going on to play for clubs such as Cork City, Celtic, Manchester United and Hibernian,” Mr Higgins said.

“As president of Ireland I send my condolences to his family and friends, and to all those who love and support Irish sport and who will keenly feel his loss.”